How to Deal With Depression in Elderly Parents
Depression in the elderly can occur for numerous reasons, such as the death of a spouse or close friend, chronic illness or loneliness. Dealing with retirement can cause depression, as can being moved into an assisted living facility. Whatever the cause, make notes of any symptoms of depression before taking your parents to a doctor or health expert. Signs of depression include lack of energy, eating more or less than usual, sleeping problems, irritability and feelings of hopelessness. Keeping tabs on your parents' diet and exercise regime are two methods of combating depression, as is engaging your parents in activities they enjoy.
Instructions
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Take your parents to your physician to be examined for signs of self-harm. Talk to the physician about any and all unusual behavior exhibited by your parents, such as no appetite, drinking heavily, taking too many sleeping or prescribed pills or lack of interest in social activities. Having your parents physically examined will also indicate whether or not the depression is from a health issue, such as vitamin B12 deficiency or hyperthyroidism, or because of a medication they may be taking, such as antibiotics, amphetamines, painkillers and ulcer drugs.
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Ensure your parents are consuming healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, which will help increase immunity and energy levels. Decrease their intake of processed sugar and fats, which can contribute to depression. Up their intake of foods that combat depression, such as fish oil, which contains fatty acids that depressed people often lack. Vitamin B-rich foods also help combat depression, such as brown rice, brewer's yeast and whole grain oats.
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Exercise with your parents at least three times a week. Exercise boosts mood and positively affects brain chemistry, while natural sunlight also helps alleviate depression.
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Bring grandchildren around, if possible, and have your parents help them with craft projects, play games, take them to a nearby playground or watch funny movies or television shows. Laughter is another method of lifting mood.
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Sign up for classes or programs your parents enjoy, such as crafting classes, tennis lessons, dance classes or lecture series. Offer to take the classes with them if they want.
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Tips & Warnings
Let family members know about your parents' condition in case of suicide attempts.
Visits from other family members can also help ease depression.
Book massages for your parents, which help increase blow flow, decrease stress levels and promote overall relaxation.
References
Resources
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